AJMAN // Traders, residents and visitors have welcomed plans to build a souq showcasing the heritage and traditional crafts of Ajman, as the ideal way to attract more tourists to the city.
As the number of high-end hotels along the coastline of the smallest emirate in the UAE continues to grow, it is hoped the Souq Salih project will draw visitors away from the beach and into the urban centre.
To be constructed by Ajman Municipality in the bustling Nakheel neighbourhood, Souq Salih will form part of a heritage path leading from the recently developed corniche to the museum and central market, said Eng Mohammed Al Muhairi, the chief of the municipality’s technical affairs sector.
“[We] will build in an architectural style emulating the ancient architecture in Ajman, with simple maintenance of the existing buildings and provision of service facilities in the future, such as bathrooms and popular restaurants,” Mr Al Muhairi said.
The souq’s roof will be made of palm fronds and wood, while its floor will be covered in coral stone to reflect the traditional architecture of the UAE and Ajman. A part of a wider plan to construct a heritage village in the emirate, Mr Al Muhairi said construction on the first stage of the souq would be finished by the end of the year.
Nakheel is a busy commercial centre well known for its traditional-styled buildings and halls, as well as the high number of tailors specialising in abayas and kanduras.
“Sales are good now and many customers and tourists come here to buy traditional abayas, but after the opening of the souq it will be better and more tourists will come to see the tradition of the emirate in this place,” said Mohammad Akram, a Pakistani tailor.
His compatriot, Mohammed Younis, also welcomed the plans. “I am happy and satisfied with the building of this souq because it will bring more customers to see the beauty and tradition of this location.”
Palestinian engineer Islam Ismael, who lives in the emirate, was impressed by plans, particularly as the pace of development across Ajman in recent years has meant many older low-rise buildings have been pulled down to make way for multi-storey residential towers.
“It is a fantastic project because the emirate is trying to combine the traditional and modern architecture to attract tourists, and open the door for the economy and investment,” the 26-year-old said.
Ahmed Mohammed, an Emirati who lives in Abu Dhabi but regularly visits Ajman with his family to enjoy the slower pace of life, said souqs were a great way to promote the UAE’s traditions and culture. “We are always proud of traditional markets that reflect our customs and traditions, but they have to do more advertisements and publicity to attract more and more tourists.”
Mr Al Muhairi said the project was part of the Ajman 2021 plan to increase the emirate’s appeal as an international tourist destination.
roueiti@thenational.ae
